In honor of National Student-Athlete Day on Friday, UNCGSpartans.com will feature a student-athlete each day leading up to this date, acknowledging their commitment to excellence on and off the field of play.

National Student-Athlete Day recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes nationwide who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and in their communities. The day was created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports and the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society, with partnership from the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Q: What made you decide to attend UNCG?
A: I decided to attend UNCG based on the fact that it felt much more like home than anywhere else that I looked, and I connected with the team much more than anywhere else. Not to mention the outstanding facilities that we have and the emphasis on soccer in the fall.

Q: What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete?
A: My favorite moment as a student-athlete was winning the Southern Conference tournament championship in 2010 and earning a bid to the NCAA tournament.

Q: What is the greatest lesson that you've learned from being a student-athlete?
A: The greatest lesson I have learned as a student-athlete is when to let the little stuff go. We are so stressed between school and sport that it is easy to get overwhelmed. Worrying about it will not solve anything. I learned to just put my head down and take it one step at a time.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
A: My father.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Get married (June 30, 2012) and begin my MBA at UNCG while completing my eligibility.

Q: What do you do to get a ready for a game?
A: I try to think about all the things that I could do right and not to worry about needing to play well. The more I stress about a game, the harder it is to actually play it.

Q: Do you think coming to UNCG and being a part of the men's soccer team has better equipped you for your future?
A: Yes, it has taught me how to push myself and to be mentally tough enough to endure almost anything.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A: Goalkeepers are either the hero or the goat; learn to live with it.